New beginnings – Day 16

Suppose you page through the newspaper tomorrow morning and find an article informing the public that you passed away last night. Besides the initial shock and horror, will you be proud of what you will read in the article?

The above may sound absurd, but this is what happened in the beginning of the 20th century with Alfred. In shock, he read the heading of the article a few times: The King of Explosives has died. Then, throughout the article, the journalist referred to him as the “merchant of death” as he had invented dynamite, which is used to produce and distribute several other dangerous weapons. The biggest shock to Alfred was the realisation that the journalist had a point. However, did he want to be known as the “the merchant of death”? Of course not.

In that moment, Alfred realised that he was given a second chance – to rewrite his future obituary in the newspaper. After much prayer in the weeks following the article in the newspaper, he became aware of the healing power of Jesus Christ, while in his heart a need arose to do something to make a difference in people’s lives.

For the rest of Alfred Nobel’s life, he spent his time, energy and money to promote peace between warring groups. With his death (and until today), Alfred Nobel is not remembered for his invention of explosives, as much as for being the founder of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Let me ask you again: will you be proud of your obituary in the newspaper if you die today? Do you need to change a few things in your life? Listen again to the words in Revelation 21:5: “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’”

God specialises in second chances. He made Saul, Paul and Simon, Peter. He used the prostitute, Rahab, to help the Israelite spies to escape from Jericho! Just like Alfred Nobel, you are given a second chance to change the wording on your gravestone. Will you grab hold of this opportunity? God bless.